Environment, justice and the capability approach

In recent years, several studies have attempted to combine the capabilities approach with sustainable development. However, critics have pointed out that although the capability approach takes the environment into account, it has its shortcomings for not being a complete ethical theory. Our article attempts to go beyond these criticisms, and show that the capabilities approach provides a good analytical framework for an environmental justice approach.

► We distinguish between an evaluative judgement and a prescriptive judgement. ► Injustice is a reduction of the capabilities space in both space and time. ► Relationships between human beings are mediated by Nature.